Chief Executive Officer Jim Taiclet shared the vision during the Bernstein Strategic Decisions Conference. He highlighted possible new features, including radar- and infrared-absorbing stealth coatings and the introduction of an unmanned mode of operation.
“We could make the F-35 pilot optional over a relatively modest time frame based on a lot of the development we’ve done,” said Taiclet. “The kinds of technologies we’re speaking about are coatings, for example, stealth coatings, both infrared and radar coatings, on the aircraft surface.”
Although still in the early stages, the concept could allow the F-35 to operate without a pilot for specific mission types. Taiclet stated that integration could begin soon, with a first flight potentially achievable within a few years, contingent on continued funding and development.
